I am my own heroine.

Podiatry is a discipline, allied to medicine that uses scientific evidence-based therapies to treat most conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. Your toes are a part of your body that may suffer too. You will probably wear a bandage or dressing for about a week following the procedure. Bunions may be genetic or may be caused by us wearing shoes, particularly narrow, pointy, uncomfortable ones for extended periods. Old age can be very detrimental to the feet and it's vital to have regular care to keep the patient mobile and the feet comfortable and free from infection. Research has proven that falls can be greatly reduced in the older age group if feet are properly cared for. Our average patient is aged between 30 and 50 and we should all have our feet checked regularly to prevent future problems. We will review you approximately 3 weeks after treatment to ensure it is clear. Before bed is also a great time to apply moisturizer, especially if your skin is extra thirsty. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when there is a loss of nerve function in the feet. Small things like bunions and corns can cause a lot of discomfort and fungal infections can cause dry cracked skin. More serious conditions such as neuropathy need specialist care and should never be neglected. Bunions are not the same as corns or calluses which are areas of hard, thickened skin on the feet. However bunions can also lead to the development of corns and calluses. Flat Feet is a common complaint with over 70% of adults suffering at some point in their lives. Most commonly your back pain will be non-specific lower back pain. In other words, my feet are a hot mess! Coincident with bunions are poor function at the mid-foot (either high, rigid arches or flat feet). You can learn more about your feet in Lesson 4 of my DVD workshop, Heal Your Posture , and on page 144 of The New Rules of Posture. This will straighten the bunion while you sleep. The success and comfort of this device will depend on how strong the pull of the big toe is towards the smaller toes. Another device used is a night splint, which holds the big toe in a straight position over-night. If you stop using the devices, your bunion may continue to progress with it's natural path (which will vary for each individual person). From a practical perspective, my best advice is ask yourself how uncomfortable your bunion is. If it's not causing you any problems (you just feel it looks odd), then just keep an eye on it. If it isn't broke, then don't fix it. If the bunion starts to rub, then I recommend wider fitting shoes, or shoes of a softer fabric (e.g. a breathable running shoe - where practical). These options will accommodate the foot better, and reduce friction on the bunion aspect of the foot. There are various different methods employed to re-shape the joint at the big toe, to realign the joint. Blood Circulation Problems: A blood clot in the foot or any problem related to blood circulation in the foot, can lead to aching foot after exercise. The symptoms of athlete's foot include patchy, dry, scaly, and itchy skin. Improper Diet: Deficiency of vitamins, insufficient supply of the necessary nutrients to the body, irregular eating habits, obesity leading to hormonal imbalance, etc., can cause foot and leg cramps. Flat Feet: Flat feet or fallen arches are common in infants and toddlers. Flat feet in adults are noticed as a result of aging, injury, or pregnancy. Strengthening exercises for flat feet, if performed regularly, can help avoid aching feet. Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fascia helps the foot bones to bear the weight of an individual. The characteristic heel pain which is noticed after exercise, is a symptom of an inflamed plantar fascia. Inflammation of these sacs is called bursitis, which can lead to pain in the foot. Other diseases like diabetes can also cause pain in the foot. Bunions can be hereditary, but for climbers it can exacerbated by abuse of long walks, tight rock shoes, or rigid soled boots. When there is increased stress on the arch, microscopic tears can occur within the plantar fascia, usually at its attachment on the heel. This results in inflammation and pain with standing and walking and sometimes at rest. It usually causes pain and stiffness on the bottom of your heel. An enlargement on the side of the foot near the base of the big toe (hallux). The enlargement is made up of a bursa (fluid filled sac) under the skin. The term bunion is also commonly used to describe a structural (bony) deformity called hallux abducto valgus (HAV). Bunions can be painful and can be aggravated by activity and wearing tight shoes. Pain from a neuroma is usually felt on the ball of your foot. Corns and callouses are areas of thick, hard skin.